A board audit should show not only the skills that a board may or may not have, but also the diversity of a board in terms of, for example, its ethnicity, experience and age. It also should reflect whether it is representative of its sector and the constituency to whom it is aiming to appeal.
It also helps with succession planning. Regular monitoring is needed when board retirements are approaching to see what skills/experience/knowledge need to be replaced.
Don’t forget to include digital experience: use of social media, the handling of databases and up-to-date technology are ever-growing fields where board knowledge is vital. The Covid crisis highlighted the necessity of arts organisations to be adept at technology and these skills continue to be built on.
For more information on what the implications are of digital technologies on the charity sector, see this government report: Making Digital Work: 12 Questions for Trustees to Consider.
Download Board Audit template here.